Chief Minister Vijay Launches Gold Ring Scheme for Newborns During Grand Madurai Visit and Roadshow!
Vijay Arrives in Madurai
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay arrived in Madurai on September 28 to launch the “Thaimaman Gold Ring” scheme. Party workers and supporters welcomed him as he travelled from the airport toward Government Rajaji Hospital. His visit also included the reopening of the renovated Gandhi Memorial Museum and a visit to the Meenakshi Amman Temple. The hospital event was the main purpose of the trip, bringing the new scheme for babies born in government health facilities into operation. Arrangements were made at each venue ahead of his arrival, while crowds gathered along the roads to see him.
Crowds Gather for the Roadshow
Vijay travelled through Madurai in a roadshow on his way to Government Rajaji Hospital. Standing on the vehicle, he waved to supporters and members of the public waiting along the route. Large crowds gathered near the roadside to welcome him, while police managed movement around the vehicle and through the streets.
The roadshow gave people an opportunity to see the Chief Minister before the hospital programme began. After completing the hospital and museum events, he held another roadshow from the government guest house toward the Meenakshi Amman Temple, where people again lined the roads to greet him.
A Moment with a Child
During the roadshow, Vijay greeted a child dressed as Goddess Meenakshi, according to the account provided. He lifted the child and spent a moment interacting with her before continuing his journey. The encounter reflected the festive welcome arranged for his visit to Madurai, a city closely associated with the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Images of the Chief Minister meeting the child added a personal moment to a day centred on public events. Crowds continued to gather along his route as he proceeded to the hospital to launch the gold ring scheme for newborns.
Gold Ring Scheme Launched
At Government Rajaji Hospital, Vijay launched the “Thaimaman Gold Ring” scheme by presenting one-gram gold rings to newborn babies. The programme provides rings to eligible children born in government hospitals and primary health centres across Tamil Nadu. At the Madurai launch, he placed rings on babies and spent time with them and their families. The first recipient was reported to be a baby girl named Muthu Yazhini from Azhagumalai. Ministers and other representatives attended the event. The launch marked the start of a statewide programme, with ministers introducing the scheme in other districts on the same day.
Who Can Receive a Ring?
The scheme covers eligible babies born on or after June 22, 2026, in Tamil Nadu’s government health facilities. Each child receives a one-gram gold ring under the programme. The state government has allocated ₹755.83 crore annually and procured 1.28 lakh rings for the first phase, according to reports published around the launch. By beginning the distribution at Rajaji Hospital, the government presented the scheme directly to families with newborns before rolling it out across the state. The programme is intended to honour motherhood and encourage families to use public health facilities for childbirth.
Gandhi Memorial Museum Reopened
Following the hospital programme, Vijay inaugurated the renovated Gandhi Memorial Museum in Madurai. The restoration was reported to have cost ₹10.25 crore. The museum’s updated displays present Mahatma Gandhi’s life, his visits to Tamil Nadu and India’s freedom struggle using digital and interactive features. Its reopening made the museum available to the public after the renovation work. Vijay’s visit to the museum formed the second major public event on his Madurai schedule. He then proceeded to the government guest house before leaving for the Meenakshi Amman Temple later in the afternoon.
Temple Visit and Security
Later in the afternoon, Vijay visited the Meenakshi Amman Temple and offered prayers. He received a ceremonial welcome on arrival after travelling there in a roadshow from the government guest house. Police had increased security around the temple, hospital, airport and roads used during the visit. Officers also managed crowds and traffic as people gathered to see the Chief Minister. Five layers of security were reported for the visit, with personnel positioned along key routes and at the event venues. The temple visit completed the principal public engagements of his day in Madurai before his planned return to Chennai.
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